By NewsSA Correspondent:
On 21 March 2026, laughter will echo through one of Johannesburg’s most unexpected cultural spaces when Comedy in the Park takes over the Whirlwind Theatre at Delta Park, bringing together some of South Africa’s sharpest comedic voices for an evening in a beautiful historic site amongst the trees in Delta Park. The line-up features comedy heavyweights Chris Forrest, Mojak Lehoko, Nick Goliath, and Rae Du Plooy, promising a night of razor-sharp stand-up, quick wit and uniquely South African humour. Doors open at 17h00 and the show starts at 19h00.
Comedy Returns to Delta Park’s Historic Site with Comedy in the Park at the Whirlwind Theatre
But this show is about more than comedy. It marks an exciting new chapter for a theatre space rooted in Johannesburg’s remarkable history. The theatre sits within Delta Park, a sprawling 104-hectare green space in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs that was once part of Klipfontein Farm, used for grazing cattle in the early 1900s. In the 1930s, the area was transformed into the Delta Sewage Disposal Works, which operated from 1934 until 1963, servicing the city’s expanding northern suburbs.
When the facility closed, the buildings stood abandoned until conservationists stepped in. Rather than demolish the structures, they envisioned something radically different: a centre dedicated to environmental learning. By 1978, the site had been reborn as the Delta Environmental Centre, today one of Johannesburg’s most respected environmental education facilities. The surrounding park now hosts bird sanctuaries, walking trails, environmental programmes for thousands of learners, and over 200 recorded bird species.
A new suburban theatre
It is nestled within this space that the intimate Whirlwind Theatre now brings live performance back into the heart of the park. Even the theatre’s seating carries a piece of South African theatre history: the chairs in the auditorium were donated by His Majesty’s Theatre in the early 1980s, giving audiences a tangible link to the country’s theatrical past.
A New Chapter for Theatre
The theatre is operated through a collaboration between Tabitha Hoy of Pickledginger Entertainment and Bridget van Oerle, founder of The BUZ Hive, bringing together deep experience in the entertainment industry and civic engagement. Hoy has worked in the events and entertainment sector for more than two decades, producing live shows and creative projects while supporting the South African comedy and performance circuit. Van Oerle brings nearly thirty years of experience in publicity, stakeholder mobilisation and event curation through The BUZ Hive, an organisation known for convening diverse communities and creating platforms for dialogue, collaboration and cultural exchange. Together, they are shaping the Whirlwind Theatre into a welcoming space where comedy, music, theatre and community storytelling can flourish.
Designed as an intimate venue seating around 185 guests, the Whirlwind Theatre aims to bring accessible theatre, comedy, music and community-driven events into Johannesburg’s cultural landscape. With on-site food and drink offerings, technical support, and secure parking, the venue is positioned to become a welcoming gathering space for audiences and performers alike.
Comedy in the Park
With Johannesburg’s skyline just beyond the trees, Comedy in the Park promises a uniquely atmospheric evening where audiences can experience top-tier comedy inside a theatre shaped by decades of transformation: from farmland, to sewage works, to an environmental education centre, and now to a vibrant creative space.
The Comedy Line-Up
Chris Forrest
A stalwart of South African comedy for more than 25 years, Forrest is widely regarded as one of the country’s most versatile entertainers. Known for his appearances on Comedy Central, multiple stand-up specials, and his victory on Celebrity MasterChef South Africa, Forrest has performed at thousands of events and festivals locally and internationally. His sharp observational humour and effortless stage presence have made him a favourite with audiences across generations.
Mojak Lehoko
Multi-award-winning comedian, actor and writer Mojak Lehoko is one of the most dynamic voices in South African comedy. A winner of Roast Battle South Africa (2018) and Comics Choice Comics Pen Award (2017), Lehoko has appeared on television shows including The Bantu Hour, Late Night News with Loyiso Gola, and multiple Viacom productions. Known for his quick improvisation and clever storytelling, he draws inspiration from everyday life and brings it to the stage with sharp insight and infectious humour.
Nick Goliath
Nick Goliath has become a household name in South African comedy, known for his relaxed delivery and disarming honesty. Rising to prominence through stand-up stages across the country, Goliath’s humour explores relationships, culture and everyday absurdities with a warmth that resonates widely with audiences.
Rae Du Plooy
A rising comedic voice, Rae Du Plooy brings a fresh and fearless perspective to the stage. Known for her sharp timing and relatable storytelling, she has quickly established herself as a performer to watch in the local comedy scene.
The doors open at 5 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. From 5 pm, the theatre’s pop-up restaurant opens alongside a fully licensed bar, allowing audiences to enjoy dinner and drinks in the relaxed surroundings of Delta Park before the evening’s performance begins. Tickets available via www.quicket.co.za . Follow the theatre for updates and upcoming shows: Facebook & Instagram: @thewhirlwindtheatre. – @NewsSA_Online
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